Excellent idea to make this is sticky. This is the information that most people seeking help tend to need. I have typed and retyped this information so many times, that I finally put it into a word document that I can cut and paste from. LOL It's nice to have a thread to direct people to.
I would definitely add links to the best places to find bulbs (ideally, next to where the bulb is mentioned in the post, or perhaps in a list at the bottom of the sticky with the name of the bulb and then a link right next to it). As others have mentioned, the MegaRay can [generally] only be found at http://www.reptileuv.com. Also, I would add the Exo Terra Solar Glo to your list of decent MVBs. Although it's not as strong in terms of UVB as either the MegaRay or T-Rex, it is a good and known safe bulb, and is also (online) a bit less expensive which is often an issue when money is tight.
As to the basking light, I would edit it to include any type household incandescent so long as it offers BRIGHT WHITE LIGHT and proper temps. Some people have better luck with spots, or small household floods or regular bulbs, rather than halogens. Just depends on the viv/personal preference.
Oh, Incidentally, Lowe's also carries the Acu-Rite, and most recently for a dollar less than WalMart.
I did want to mention about the temps you posted, and the "adding of 5 degrees for a young beardie." I'm not sure I'm following you there, as the temps you posted are right for a young beardie, wouldn't want to go any higher than 110 (IMHO ). Maybe I'm misunderstanding your meaning. :dontknow:
I did want to mention about the temps you posted, and the "adding of 5 degrees for a young beardie." I'm not sure I'm following you there, as the temps you posted are right for a young beardie, wouldn't want to go any higher than 110 (IMHO ). Maybe I'm misunderstanding your meaning. :dontknow:
If you could add an infrared temp gun for checking temps too that would be a good idea. Also, the gun should be held 2" away from the area being checked.
As far as the 160 watt MVB, the distance should be a minimum of 18" away rather than 16. Lots of helpful info here.
If you could add an infrared temp gun for checking temps too that would be a good idea. Also, the gun should be held 2" away from the area being checked.
As far as the 160 watt MVB, the distance should be a minimum of 18" away rather than 16. Lots of helpful info here.
"Can you add something about night time temps? and what to do if your temp falls below 65 at night. Im just a few degrees under and don't know what to do :S"
From a link on this site, I went to a site that stated that beardies can live in temperatures as low as 50F. If this helps.
"Can you add something about night time temps? and what to do if your temp falls below 65 at night. Im just a few degrees under and don't know what to do :S"
From a link on this site, I went to a site that stated that beardies can live in temperatures as low as 50F. If this helps.
As for the Night temps, a no-light emitting heat source called a Ceramic Heat Emitter (question about ceramic heaters) is ideal for keeping temperatures above 65. If any light is emitted, it could interrupt the beardies sleepy time (Red Light yes or no?) therefore a nighttime heat lamp should not emit any light, whether it be blue, black, infrared or bright white. CHE's are ideal for night warming of the vivarium and can be found at your local pet shop or online at http://www.petmountain.com